Studying for and Taking a Problem-solving Exam Effectively

• Plan your study time. Don't study more than one hour in each session. Take breaks between sessions.
• Use your summary sheets you have prepared throughout the semester, or prepare a summary sheet now.
• Work in a study group of equally committed students. Do not waste this time socializing.
• Make up a practice test. Take it under test conditions. Mix up different types of problems. Time your test. Do not look at notes or your textbook. Do not use a calculator.
• Have your study buddy make a practice test for you. Take it under test conditions.
• Take the Chapter Test in the textbook under text conditions.
• When grading your practice tests, watch out for the type of mistakes you make. These are the types of mistakes you want to search for when reviewing your real test before turning it in.
• Be well rested for the exam. Also, don't give up your exercise or healthy eating to study for a test.
• Don't study new material the day before the test or on the day of the test. This might interfere with what you have already learned. Review the material before you go to bed on the night before the test.
• Consciously relax before beginning the test. If there is time, do not start the test until you feel ready to fully focus on the test.
• Before you read the test, write down anything you have to remember for the test, such as formulas, properties, facts. This is sometimes referred to as a memory dump. If you feel you might have problem with this on the test, practice it in your practice tests.
• Preview the test. Fill in any gaps in your memory dump that occur to you while you are reading.
• Carefully read the test directions.
• Start with the easy questions and with questions that have a higher point-value. Skip any problem you do not know how to do.
• Return to the skipped questions. If you still have problems, guess. Your teacher might be able to give you partial credit. Never leave any questions unanswered.
• Review the test. Check for careless mistakes. Check all your answers.